Strategic acquisitions and organic expansions were the core strengths of the leading players in the cheese ingredients market; these strategies were adopted by the players to increase their market presence. They also helped the players diversify their businesses geographically, strengthen distribution networks, and enhance their production capacities. Market leaders such as Chr. Hansen Holdings (Denmark), DuPont (US), Dairy Farmers of America (US), and Sacco srl (Italy) successfully tapped the potential markets through expansions, investments, acquisitions, and agreements or joint ventures.

Chr. Hansen Holding (Denmark) is one of the leading companies in the cheese ingredients industry. The company develops coagulants, starter culture, enzymes, and colorants to be added in the cheese making process for better taste and texture of the cheese. It is largely focused on the development of ingredients used in the processed cheese to cater to the demand for cheese, globally. It adopts organic growth as its main growth strategy for its business segments. Strong research & development activities by the company enable it to expand its product line to a significant extent, thereby helping it to increase its customer base. For instance, from 2013 to 2017, the company launched approximately eight products in the cheese ingredients market for the preparation of varieties of cheese. The company has a well-established distribution channel enabling its products to have a global reach. Strong global presence and well-established R&D activities are the major factors contributing to the high potential of this company in the cheese ingredients market. Chr. Hansen Holding also acquired companies such as Peyma Chr. Hansen (Turkey) and Dairy Innovation Australia Ltd (DIAL) to increase its global presence.

Dairy Farmers of America (US) is a leading company in the cheese ingredients market which provides milk & milk powders to cheese manufacturers. The company supplies milk across the globe; however, the target market for the company is North America. Dairy Farmers of America works in close cooperation with its customers and farmers to meet the requirements of cheese manufacturers to enhance the products and ensure consistent quality. The company aims to increase its business in emerging as well as established markets to develop significant global reach by adopting organic and inorganic strategies. For instance, from 2013 to 2017, the company acquired local companies such as Dairy Maid, Oakhurst Dairy, and Cumberland Dairy to gain significant market share in the North American region. The company also focuses on organic growth as a favorable strategy for its growth involving expansion activities.